Liverpool are reportedly ready to offer Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid as part of a stunning swap deal that would see Brazilian forward Rodrygo head to Anfield.
Softfootball understands that Konate is now in the last 12 months of his contract with the Premier League champions, who have been struggling to agree an extension with his camp for some time.
As a result, there is a growing feeling that Konate will run down the final year of his deal before leaving on a free transfer and following the Trent Alexander-Arnold path to the Spanish capital.
The France international has allegedly already informed Los Blancos of his desire to join the club on a free transfer next summer, although Liverpool could alternatively look to sell him now in a bid to recoup some cash.
Real’s interest in Konate comes at a time where Rodrygo’s future is being called into question, and according to Defensa Central, Liverpool could try to use the Konate situation to their advantage.
According to the reports, Liverpool are prepared to offer Ibrahima Konate plus €35 million (£30.4m) in a sensational deal to bring Rodrygo to Anfield. Real Madrid are believed to be open to selling the Brazilian forward for the right price during the summer transfer window.
At face value, Konate getting his dream move to Real Madrid and Rodrygo making his desired switch to the Premier League is a win for both parties, but such a blockbuster move will inevitably not be so simple.
Arsenal were previously seen as frontrunners in the race for Rodrygo, but the Gunners have since shifted their focus toward securing deals for Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, and Viktor Gyokeres.
As a result, Rodrygo’s future at the Bernabéu remains uncertain. Liverpool are reportedly monitoring his situation closely, particularly with Luis Diaz’s Anfield future also up in the air.
The Colombian winger is understood to be on Barcelona’s shortlist as a potential alternative to Nico Williams, alongside Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. Meanwhile, talks over a new deal for Konate at Liverpool whose current contract runs until 2027 have yet to make progress.
Rodrygo played just 92 minutes at the recent Club World Cup for Real Madrid, and he failed to make it off the bench in their 4-0 semi-final defeat to eventual runners-up Paris Saint-Germain.
In an earlier update, Softfootball reported that Real Madrid’s youngster Garcia, 21, won Golden Boot at Club World Cup.
Despite not reaching the finals of 2025 FIFA Club World cup after embarrassing loss to PSG in the semis, Real Madrid forward, Gonzalo Garcia finishes the tournament as the leading marksman after netting four goals and one assist from his six matches.
